ROCHESTER — When Abigail Bishop started at Spaulding High School in the ninth grade, she struggled a bit in Algebra and was enrolled in our standard level of courses. Abi stated that in freshman year, she was shy about getting help. Despite those struggles, in tenth grade Abi challenged herself more and elected to move up to the Enriched/college preparatory level in most of her courses. Even with this increased challenge, she still managed to earn all As and Bs, meriting a spot on the honor roll. Thus far junior year, Abi has continued that laudable trend, continuing to earn all As and Bs, and again earning a place on the honor roll. Abi attributes this success to her dedication to focusing more on school and trying to strike a balance between work and fun.

Simultaneous to this increased success in academics, Abi has also become involved in a number of extracurricular activities. She has been a three-year member of Chorus, and has also joined the Band color guard this year. Developing her acting talents, Abi has performed with the Drama Club all three years, in Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, and as an Indian in the recent productions of Peter Pan. In addition, Abi is fine-tuning her career plans by taking the Early Childhood Education class. In this class, students learn about the developmental needs of preschool aged children, develop lesson plans, and then actually teach 3 and 4-year-olds in the Small Wonders Preschool. As a result of this class, Abi has also become active in Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

Abi has been cheered on with the loving support of her grandparents, Shirley and Jim Shea. This amazing young woman is the perfect example of how a positive attitude and determination can overcome all obstacles. Congratulations to Rochester Rising Star, Abigail Bishop.

The Rochester Rotary Club, whose motto is “Service Above Self”, meets every Monday for luncheon, fellowship and to enjoy a guest speaker at the Governor’s Inn, 78 Wakefield St. If you are interested in joining Rotary, or attending a meeting, then please contact our membership chair Gerry Bisaillon at (603) 330-2989.